With Robin Gosens sidelined due to an injury sustained against Real Madrid, Union Berlin enters the final stretch of the Bundesliga season with renewed determination. Aiming for six more points before Christmas, the Ironmen kick off their mission this Saturday against VfL Bochum, who currently hold a three-point lead and a position higher in the standings.
"Every game is crucial, and against a direct rival, it's even more important," head coach Nenad Bjelica stated ahead of the match in the Ruhr Valley. Bochum presents a formidable challenge for the Ironmen, and the coach stressed the importance of adapting to their league situation.
Gosens, who had recently shifted to a more offensive role under Bjelica, may not return until the start of training in January, according to the coach, who expressed caution about providing a specific recovery timeline. However, fans can look forward to the return of star striker Sheraldo Becker, who has recovered from an injury layoff and is expected to be a key player in the final spurt of the season.
While Gosens' absence will likely impact Union Berlin's offensive potential, Bjelica has a range of options to consider in his place. New arrivals such as Jakov Medic, a defender; Aliou Balde, another midfielder; Ibrahima Sissoko, yet another midfielder; and Samuel Bamba, a midfielder with recent signing, could all be potential candidates to step up and fill the void left by Gosens.
Regardless of the team's lineup, Union Berlin's commitment to securing crucial points against Bochum and 1. FC Köln in the coming weeks remains central to their survival in the Bundesliga. As the league's 15th-placed team, they understand the significance of these fixtures and are determined to bounce back from their recent struggles and close the gap between themselves and the safety zone.
As the end-of-year spurt approaches, teams across North Rhine-Westphalia face intense pressure to maintain their positions and avoid relegation. Union Berlin, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and VfL Bochum all remain crucial parts of the North Rhine-Westphalia scene, and fans can follow the excitement and hard-fought battles on Sky and other soccer broadcasting platforms after the Christmas break.
